Dhammananda Bhikkhuni quotes

Dhammananda Bhikkhuni, Ph.D. (Chatsumarn Kabilsingh, b. 1945), ordained Bhikkhuni Dhammananda, is a Thai bhikkhuni (Buddhist nun). On February 28, 2003, Kabilsingh received full bhikkhuni (nun) ordination in Sri Lanka. She earned a Ph.D. at Thammasat University in Bangkok and was a professor of Buddhist philosophy for twenty-seven years and currently is abbot of the first temple in Thailand where there are fully ordained nuns.

Quotes

• Study shows that we cannot take the Eight Garudharmas (heavy rules) as final authority without flexibility. I can quote an example of the first Garudharma which says that "a nun even ordained for 100 years must pay respect to a monk ordained that day." Later there was a case of six monks who playfully lifted up their robes showing their thighs to attract the bhikkhunis' attention. In this case, the Buddha instructed the bhikkhunis not to pay respect to these monks. This shows that any rule laid down by the Buddha always has a certain requirement to it. One should not stick to the rule without understanding the spirit of it.

• I do not choose to be ordained because I want people to recognise me.[sic] I did it because I want to carry on the heritage of the Lord Buddha. I am trying to revive the four pillars of Buddhism-bhikkus, bhikkhunis, laymen and laywomen-that will sustain the religion into the future. I don't mind if some people reserve different opinions about bhikkhunis. The public will be the ones to judge our worth.

• I would be satisfied if I could serve as a refuge for women. I am not aiming at a big market. I don't think Thai women will rise up and get ordained en masse. A monastic path is not a comfortable lifestyle. I am thinking of a small religious community which helps women develop their own spirituality and contribute something to society.

• I know there is some resistance out there. It is not my intention to stick out and provoke anybody. I will try to honour everyone. I will try to be a supatipanno, to be a female monk with good conduct. Time will tell. If society believes this is a worthy role, then people will support it and consider it another alternative for women.